As we chug along on the plans for our new home, I thought it might be fun to take a look at some of the things that have inspired the house. Since we’re building in an established neighborhood and doing it ourselves there is no “you pick between these 3 floor plans” or “there are these exterior colors to choose from.” The HOA has square footage and landscaping requirements, but other than that we are able to pick anything that we can dream (within budget, of course).
Along with the shows any kids in the 90’s were watching, we watched a lot of British television with my parents: Agatha Christie mysteries, Keeping up Appearances – very traditional elements and aesthetics. And many of the movies I’ve watched over and over again have classic homes that I continue to dream about.
Hocus Pocus is a personal favorite. The fact that Xander watched that movie almost every day for a few months this last fall did not get on my nerves one bit. I even made it a point to stop and drool every time they end up at Allison’s house while trick or treating – you don’t see much of it, but what you do see is incredible.
So we’ll be going very traditional with the exterior. Turns out building a giant box is also one of the cheapest exteriors to construct (see, sometimes I am drawn to budget-friendly options…sometimes.) I love a white house with black shutters, and I was pretty certain about a red door and recently found some information that sealed the deal for me. I’ll be back later in the week to share more on that.
Kristin@bliss-athome.com says
yep. it's all pretty fabulous. If I ever got to build a house I definitely would not want one of those cookie cutter plans they have. Love all the inspiration so so much! xo Kristin
Autumn Beach says
Love, love, love, love, LOVE. Did I mention that I love? 🙂 Right there with ya. Classic.
themakerista@gmail.com says
🙂
happeningsofourhome says
LOVE where you're headed, girl! Nothing beats a beautiful colonial. I'm excited for you!
Catherine Hansen Peart says
I love a colonial too. Just love the simplicity of that beautiful exterior! Can't wait to see it all come together for you!
Dena Stormer says
Keeping Up Appearances! I used to watch that with my grandma when I would stay at her house in the summer. The Home Alone house sold last year, I think – the hubs called me squealing about it. So dreamy. We just moved to Georgia from Texas and I was dreaming of a Southern Colonial home. We found one and immediately painted the shutters black and the door red. Love all of these inspiration shots and CAN'T WAIT to see what you do with the inside of it.
themakerista@gmail.com says
I'm glad you totally get it all! Sounds so dreamy, and I hope you're enjoying Georgia. Yes, I hope to show some inside inspiration soon!
Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door says
My all time favorite style as well. And it will look great in any neighborhood. So fun!
Emily Maupin says
Colonials are beautiful but I would have to say that a craftsman style home is my dream. Mostly just for the big beautiful front porch. My husband and I live in Lee's Summit and so I have to say the fact that you found a subdivision in the area that has less stringent guidelines for building is awesome!
themakerista@gmail.com says
I do love a big front porch, Emily! If money was no object, a plantation home with the huge porch would be at the top of my list. 🙂
Glad you're local and can understand, yes, we're really lucky to have the lot we do. Thanks for following along!
Rachel Rardon says
Yes, yes, yes. So gorgeous! [kudos to you for taking on building a home – so excited to follow along with your progress] You go girl – rock that red door.
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Rachel! I was a little hesitant about the red door, but I found some things that make it a for sure!
Kimberly Hannon says
Hi Gwen. Beautiful Inspiration pics. So excited to follow along with you and the fam. during this home building process, but I have a question that seems pretty major to me: You say you are "doing this yourselves" but didn't you hire an architect? Can you describe how you made that decision and how they have helped you/influenced the design process? If you didn't hire one (is that possible? Don't you need one for the building permits?) can you tell us all why? I have never tackled a project this big (kudos, girl!) but I can't imagine spending so much $$$ and building a family home without consulting a pro? Thanks for sharing the det's. Love the blog!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Hi Kimberly! I apologize for not making things more clear. When I say we are building ourselves, I mean we are going to be the builder. My husband is a general contractor, so he will act as builder and while we will do work ourselves (and he can pull permits), we will also have subs for things that are not in our (his) wheelhouse: foundations, plumbing, etc. We did hire an architect. We looked at buying plans from an online website, but we really wanted the chance to have the home exactly like we wanted and we also liked the idea of working with someone locally who would know state and city codes, etc. I've heard those plans don't always meet everyone's codes and then you have to get changes made, etc. I hope that makes things a bit more clear. Thanks for reading and following along!
Julie Blanner says
I adore Colonials & can't wait to have one of my own again. For now, I'll live vicariously through you!
Bethany DeVore says
I'm so excited about this! I've always loved the father of the bride house, it's my dream home!
themakerista@gmail.com says
It is so lovely, isn't it?
Dimitrios Tzanavaris says
http://www.tentes-raftopoulos.gr
Jess rey says
I think we might be soul sisters…All of your movie homes are my ideal family homes that I have ALWAYS dreamt of living in. I live in NC and there is a neighborhood with homes like that and I would give almost anything to own a house like that. AAwwwww